Rejected Luna's Justice

Synopsis

The soft glow of dawn filtered through the stained-glass windows of the Sterling Pack hall, casting rainbow patterns across the polished wooden floors where our pack had gathered. Today was supposed to be special—Emma's third birthday and her Coming-of-Age Ceremony. My heart swelled with maternal pride as I watched my daughter twirl in her silver ceremonial dress, her dark curls bouncing with each movement. "Mommy, when will my wolf come?" Emma tugged at my hand, her silver-flecked eyes—so like mine—wide with excitement. "Soon, sweetheart," I whispered, smoothing her dress. "The Moon Goddess decides when your wolf is ready." I glanced at the ornate Alpha chair positioned at the center of the ceremonial circle, draped with the Sterling Pack's royal blue banners. Ryan's absence hung in the air like a storm cloud. He'd promised to be here at dawn. He'd sworn on our mate bond. My wolf, Grace, whimpered inside me. *He's not coming. Again.* "Luna Victoria," Beta Mark Jennings approached, his face carefully blank. "Perhaps we should begin without—" The heavy oak doors crashed open. My breath